Brantley boys punch Final Four ticket
The Brantley Bulldogs secured their first trip to the state playoffs in three years with a 57-49 victory over J.F. Shields in the Alabama High School Athletic Association (AHSAA) Class 1A South Regional Championship at Garrett Coliseum. The win advances the varsity boys team to compete at the Birmingham Jefferson Convention Complex (BJCC) on Feb. 24.
The Bulldogs saw a double-digit lead shrink to one point before Jon Harper Kilcrease sank a pivotal three-pointer with 6:44 left on the clock, shifting momentum back in the Bulldogs’ favor. Kevin Freeman followed with a putback basket, senior Jayden Parks added a steal and layup, and Kilcrease drained another three-pointer to put the game out of reach.
“That was a big shot that Harper made,” Brantley head coach Andre Parks said. “We were reeling at that point. That was the biggest shot of the year.”
Parks said the fourth-quarter offense was a by-product of the Bulldogs’ defense.
“We started rebounding, taking a couple of charges, blocking some shots,” Jayden said. “I think the defensive end really started to get our offense back flowing.”
Kilcrease led the Bulldogs with 18 points and nine rebounds, followed by Parks with 16 points and seven assists. Julius Sylvester added 10 points and a dominant 17 rebounds, helping Brantley control the boards.
Brantley, now 23-4, will face Hubbertville (25-6) in the Class 1A semifinals at Legacy Arena. The Bulldogs, who last appeared in the state tournament in 2022, are eager for another shot at a championship.
“It’s tough to make it, but these guys set it as a goal, just like we do every year,” Andre said. “I’m just so proud of the guys for fighting and making it happen.”
Jayden Parks was named 1A South Region MVP, while Kilcrease and Sylvester earned All-Tournament Team honors.
For both Highland Home and Brantley, the Final Four represents an opportunity to make history and bring home a championship. As the teams prepare for their biggest games of the season, their communities are rallying behind them, ready to support their journey in Birmingham.
The Brantley Bulldogs will tip off Feb. 24 at 10:30 a.m. against Hubbertville in the Class 1A semifinals.